COVID-19 Staff Bulletin - Dec. 18, 2020

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

“The steps we take in the last days of 2020 are going to ensure a brighter, healthier and safer 2021 for all of us.” - Dr. Bonnie Henry

Please note: Numbers are updated on weekdays at 5 p.m.

		New Cases	Today's Total Cases	Cumulative Total
BC	Total	624	9,978	45,400 (33,589 recovered)
	Hospitalized		356
	ICU Patients		92
	Deaths	11		724
VCH/PHC	Hospitalized	5	108	672
	ICU Patients	1	22	208
	On Ventilator	1	12	115
	Discharged	9	13	479
	Deaths (hospital/ICU)		2	90
PHC	Hospitalized	1	15*	224
	ICU Patients	1	4*	60
	On Ventilator	1	2*	35
	Discharged (within the last 24 hours)	4		177
	Deaths		0	21
*patients that are currently being cared for as COVID-positive

View British Columbia COVID-19 Dashboard

Situation Update

For today: 624 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 45,400 cases in British Columbia.
There are 9,978 active cases.
There are 356 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 92 of whom are in intensive care.
New cases by health authority region:
- VCH – 106
- Fraser Health – 406
- Island Health - 5
- Interior Health - 60
- Northern Health - 47
- No new cases of people who reside outside of Canada.
There have been 11 new deaths, for a total of 724 COVID-related deaths in the province.
There were no new health-care facility outbreaks and one new community outbreak.
Read Friday's joint statement on BC's COVID-19 response.

PHC VACCINATION UPDATE

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

It’s been a busy and exciting week as the first Providence staff received their immunization against COVID-19.

LTC STAFF AND RESIDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN COVID IMMUNITY STUDY

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Residents of long-term care facilities operated by Providence Health Care, and the staff who provide care at these facilities, are invited to participate in a study that seeks to understand immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines.

WELCOME TO 7B: A Q&A WITH HOLLY VAN HEUKELOM

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Learn more about life in our COVID unit at St. Paul's Hospital with Holly Van Heukelom, Patient Care Manager.

A VERY 2020 CHRISTMAS – TIS THE SEASON TO STAY IN, STAY SAFE AND BE MERRY

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

We recognize Christmastime this year has - and continues to be - unlike any other. Here are ideas how to celebrate safely.

THE WINNERS OF THE PROVIDENCE WREATH CONTEST ARE IN…

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Submitted by Astrid Levelt, Director of Medical Affairs & Site Lead, SPH

The results from our Providence Wreath Contest are in, and the three patient judges selected our winning teams.

BC RECOVERY BENEFIT — ONLINE APPLICATIONS OPEN TODAY

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

The BC Recovery Benefit (the benefit) is a one-time direct deposit payment for eligible families, single parents or individuals.

PROVIDENCE IN THE NEWS: COCHLEAR IMPLANT TUNING GOES REMOTE WITH NEW B.C. PILOT PROJECT (GLOBAL NEWS)

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

St. Paul’s CI audiologists Myron Huen and Jowan Lee were featured in recent media stories about the province’s first remote adult-mapping program for patients with cochlear implants.

THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Submitted by Tracey Errington

Please enjoy this holiday poem from one of our Providence people.

FROM THE DAILY SCAN: CANNABIS COULD REDUCE FENTANYL USE, REDUCE OVERDOSE RISK: STUDY

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

New research suggests that cannabis use by people in care for opioid addiction might improve their treatment outcomes and reduce their risk of being exposed to fentanyl in the contaminated unregulated drug supply.

PROVIDENCE IN THE NEWS

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Check out the latest media coverage featuring Providence Health Care.

The Vancouver Sun: Cannabis could reduce fentanyl use, BCCSU and UBC study finds
The Province: Cannabis could reduce fentanyl use, BCCSU and UBC study finds
Comox Valley Record: Display brightens up holidays at Comox seniors’ home
The Globe and Mail: COVID-19 Christmas care: B.C. health workers share stories of saving lives in the second wave
Global News: Cochlear implant tuning goes remote with new B.C. pilot project

HOW TO COPE WITH THE LOSS OF HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Resources to help you process how you feel this holiday season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY GRADE 2 STUDENTS

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Please enjoy a small selection of holidays letters from Grade 2 students at West Point Grey Academy, for our St. Paul’s doctors and nurses:

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: CST UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 17

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

Going live in the new year? Here's what you need to know.

STAFF WELLNESS AND SUPPORT

Dec 18, 2020 / 6:42pm PST

The Wellness & Support Team encourages you to reach out for help when you need it. You’re there for them. We’re there for you.

REMINDER: Please direct all media inquiries to Providence’s Communications & Public Relations team.

Ann Gibbon, Senior Communication Specialist, Media Relations
Email: agibbon@providencehealth.bc.ca

After-hours media line: 778-999-0064

Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions or concerns, please email COVID-19@providencehealth.bc.ca

Information and resource links:
PHC has a website for staff, medical staff, and researchers to address concerns, questions, protocols and guidelines around sick-leave and compensation-in-lieu for COVID-19. Click here to view the website. This website will be updated daily and is accessible from work and home on your mobile or desktop devices. THIS SHOULD BE YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR INFORMATION.